Thursday, 29 November 2012

We paid a return visit to the cottage on the Island of Skye where we went for our honeymoon 48 years ago! The weather had been wet and we were thrilled when the clouds rolled away and the sun came out.

Here is the old photo taken July 1964! There was no kitchen and the toilet was in the outbuildings 50 feet away (the one with the roof!)

To get to this idyllic spot you have to travel 7 miles from the main road on Skye on a seriously narrow one that twists and climbs before it finally descends into the small Community of Kylerhea.

Our cottage was called"half of one" being the dividing up of the property between 2 sons. Look at the transformation!

Hmmm Not much done here!

"Half of One" is the cottage nearest the water's edge.

We picked up our friend Margo who was making a short stay with her son and family who live in one of the Kylerhea cottages, to bring her back to Edinburgh with us.

Margo, well-informed as she is in local lore, told us that when there was a funeral, the custom was for the cortege coming from Kylrhea to stop by this big stone and and rest after the climb and then make the descent to Broadford.

Friday, 23 November 2012

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, situated at the entrance to the Mediterranean.Its area is 6.8 square kilometers, and the city is very densely populated. It was ceded to Britain "in perpetuity" under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, but is still a bone of contention in Anglo-Spanish relations.

The Famous Barbary

Apes, or macaques are a great tourist attraction.

St. Michael s Cave with stalagmites and stalactites

Looking towards Morocco

The Great Siege Tunnels were dug out from solid limestone by the British during the Great Siege of Gibralter, when the Spanish and French were attempting to capture Gibraltar from British occupation.

The north-east side of the rock had a blind spot. There was no possibility of constructing a path because of the vertical cliff face, and construction of the tunnel began in 1782.

Don't look down!

Gibraltar is home to many ethnic groups and many languages are spoken. English is the official language.

Thursday, 8 November 2012

The road south from Malaga winds its way between the sea and the mountains.

We visited Castillo de Castillar, whose history reaches very far back. There are many cave drawings in the area. Because of its strong position it has been fought over by the powers of the time. It was especially important in the wars between the Moors and the Spanish.

Breathtaking views from the top........

.....even as far as Gibralter.

The people from the old village of Castillar de Frontera have been relocated to a very new town with modern facilities.

The site alocated by the town Council for camper vans is beside a swimming pool. "Hey! Make for that shady bit in the corner!"

Seeing Gibralter Rock in the distance gave us a sense of excitement as we got nearer to it.

There were queues of traffic waiting to get in so it was a slow process the nearer we got.

Some of you ask about Jonathan Rimmer's progress from time to time. He underwent an operation last week to put a plate in his head. This is another step in his journey. Please pray for further progress for this lovely young man and also for his parents and brother as they continue to support him in the days ahead.

Monday, 29 October 2012

The Church we wanted to visit in Malaga was a Reformed Baptist. We had been given the address, but, as we normally do, we checked it out on the Saturday so that we knew we had got it right. Dutifully we followed the directions of the "satnav" to GuadixSt.,Churriana, Malaga. We turned down a narrow street - the passenger saying "er...is this wise?" Turn left was the next direction.....even narrower with parked cars and a dead-end! The driver had to make quite a few maneuvers before being able to get back out!

The "Iglesia" or Church is right at the end of Guadix St.

On the right is Pastor Juan Bascunana with Oscar, the brother of Sergio in Cuenca. The Pastor's wife played for the singing.

Sergio's brother, Oscar and their parents.

Here are some of the congregation after the evening service, on the balcony at the side of the church, with Malaga and the beautiful surrounding mountains in the distance.

Oscar took us to see Jose Rios, a lovely Presbyterian Pastor, suffering the effects of a stroke. He has known much blessing on his ministry in past times.

He was so pleased to show us his beloved books.

Salvador and Rosi took us to their home for refreshments and then drove us to a point above the city, where we could admire the view.